Australian recognition of Palestinian state a matter of "when, not if," says Treasurer

CANBERRA, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers said on Thursday that it is a matter of "when, not if" the country moves to recognize Palestinian statehood.

Chalmers told Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) television that he wants to see the federal government formally recognize a Palestinian state.

"I think it's a matter of when, not if, Australia recognizes a Palestinian state," he said.

He said recent international momentum on recognizing Palestine has been "welcome," but refused to put a timeline on Australian recognition.

"There are a number of obstacles still in the way to recognition of a Palestinian state. For example, the treatment, the release, of the hostages, making sure that there's absolutely no role for Hamas," he said.

Chalmers' appearance on ABC television came shortly before Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that his country intends to recognize Palestinian statehood during the 80th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in September.

Speaking later on Thursday morning on Sky News television, Chalmers said that Australia has been in discussions with "like-minded countries" on Palestinian recognition.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and counterparts in 14 other countries, including Canada, on Tuesday issued a joint statement reiterating "unwavering commitment" to the vision of a two-state solution to the question of Palestine.

The ABC reported on Thursday that pressure is building on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese from within his own Labor Party to recognize Palestinian statehood. Enditem